'Things I don't like as much' - France boss Didier Deschamps criticises Arsenal defender William Saliba

France boss Didier Deschamps says William Saliba's performances for his country haven't 'gone well'.

Saliba, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Sunday, has become a mainstay in Arsenal's defence over the past two seasons, forming a solid partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhães.

The former Saint Etienne, Nice and Marseille loanee was also named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last campaign, but hasn't started regularly at international level with Deschamps preferring the likes of Dayot Upamecano instead.

Despite Deschamp's comments, Saliba is expected to feature against Chile on Tuesday.

“He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much," said Deschamps at a press conference on Monday.

"For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well. The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here. Dayot Upamecano has had game time and perhaps William has had less.

"With certain players, I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or little blockages that can shift. Some don’t have any concerns, some need game time. William has had less game time, so that doesn’t allow him to be very calm."

Meanwhile, Saliba's centre back partner Gabriel has praised his teammate for 'understanding' him on and off the pitch.

"We speak the same language," Gabriel told Stadium Astro. ‘I am Brazilian but I speak French.

"On the pitch, the communication is very important. We are good friends and sometimes I need to say, ‘Ah Saliba! F*** sake!’ – he’ll say it to me as well.

"It’s good for us. He understands me and I understand him."

Arsenal face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League title clash on March 31, with several players including Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli hopeful of being fit for the huge game.